Judge delays his ruling against DC handgun ban

Article by: JESSICA GRESKO

Associated Press

July 29, 2014 - 2:00 PM

WASHINGTON — A federal judge who struck down the District of Columbia's ban on carrying handguns outside the home has stopped his ruling from going into effect for about three months so city lawmakers can respond with new legislation.

U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Scullin on Tuesday stayed his ruling from going into effect until Oct. 22.

In a ruling that became public on Saturday, Scullin struck down the city's ban. He wrote that the Second Amendment gives people the right to carry a handgun outside the home for self-defense.

The group that had brought the lawsuit against the city did not oppose a 90-day stay. Lawyers for the city want Scullin to stay the ruling while they appeal, but he will not rule on that request until at least August.